Trying to predict what players will be chosen by specific teams is nearly impossible before the All Star games, Combine and Pro Days, but below is the first mock draft of the new year. As always I try to match hat I am hearing about team's desires with what I believe are the best players available, so take a look and send me your thoughts.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame, Senior: No quarterback warrants being the first overall pick and after Jovan Belcher’s suicide the Chiefs have a strong need for another impact linebacker and Te’o can be that player.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State, Junior: While many may expect the Jaguars to reach for a quarterback to replace Blaine Gabbert, we believe that Tim Tebow will be that player. So the new general manager can focus on improving the Jaguars pass rush, which has struggled with consistency in recent seasons.

3. Oakland Raiders: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M, Junior: With many needs the Raiders make the decision to draft Joeckel who is viewed as potentially one of the safer choices in the Draft. Joeckel could either upgrade the Raiders at left tackle and push Veldheer to the right side or could take over at right tackle while Veldheer stays on the left; either way the Raiders offensive line improves greatly.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M, Junior: Without Jason Peters playing left tackle in 2012 the Eagles’ offensive line struggled all season. So drafting Matthews gives them insurance in case Peters struggles to return from injury and could be a big upgrade at right tackle if Peters is healthy and back at left tackle for the 2013 season.

5. Detroit Lions: Kenny Vaccaro, SAF, Texas, Senior: Louis Delmas is starting to get the “injury prone” label and the Lions do not have a top level safety to play next to him. While some may view Vaccaro as a reach, we believe he would be an immediate starter for the Lions and would upgrade their pass defense.

6. Cleveland Browns: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama, Senior: The Browns have a ton of young offensive talent at the skill positions, but for them to blossom their offensive line needs to improve. Warmack would upgrade their interior offensive line play and improve their rushing attack immediately.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State, Senior: Whomever the new head coach in Arizona ends up being, he likely will not want to count on Kolb, Skelton or Lindley for the future . So they draft the strong armed Glennon who reminds us a tremendous amount of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

8. Buffalo Bills: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan, Junior: With OG Andy Levitre an unrestricted free agent and no established right tackle on the roster; the Bills grab Lewan who could start at right tackle from day one.

9. New York Jets: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia, Junior: While the Jets are likely to draft a quarterback to challenge Sanchez, they do not want to reach for one here. So they jump at the chance to add the explosive Jones who should upgrade their outside pass rush immediately.

10. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama, Junior: The Titans have a number of holes, but the chance to add a strong and physical cornerback with pro bowl potential makes too much sense for them to pass up.

11. San Diego Chargers: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan, Senior: A better prospect coming out of school than Joe Staley, Fisher could take over at left tackle and help keep Philip Rivers upright for the rest of his career.

12. Miami Dolphins: Keenan Allen, WR, California, Junior: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill showed flashes that he can be the long term answer for the Dolphins, but he needs weapons. Allen is a big play receiver who can “take the top off the defense” to open everything up for their offense.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia, Senior: The Buccaneers right side of their offensive line struggled with consistency in 2012, which leads to their choice of Aboushi who is strong, physical and consistent. He should challenge to start at either right tackle or right guard as a rookie.

14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah, Senior: Carolina has two quality defensive ends in Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy, but its interior defensive line continued to struggle in 2012. Lotulelei would be an impact player in the middle of its defensive line from day one, which would upgrade the Panthers’ defense.

15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri, Junior: Sedric Ellis is an unrestricted free agent and the Saints need to upgrade their defense. Richardson would give them an explosive, penetrating defensive tackle that would regularly make impact plays behind the LOS.

16. St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina, Senior: Quarterback Sam Bradford was constantly under pressure in 2012 and Cooper is an athletic and powerful lineman with the talent to start at guard or center for the Rams.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon, Senior: James Harrison was not the impact pass rusher in 2012 that he was earlier in his career and Lamarr Woodley struggled with injuries throughout 2012, so they add Jordan. Jordan could backup both in 2013 while adding explosiveness and speed to the Steelers pass rush.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State, Junior: Neither Jason Hatcher or Marcus Spears has become an elite defensive lineman and Hankins would add size and strength to the defensive end position in the Cowboys 34 scheme.

19. New York Giants: Ezekial Ansah, DE, BYU, Senior: Osi Umenyiora ‘s contract is up so he will likely not be back and Justin Tuck has recorded two straight up and down seasons. Ansah is raw, but similar to Jason Pierre Paul in terms of athleticism, competitiveness and potential.

20. Chicago Bears: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma, Senior: To say the Bears offensive line has been a major weakness in recent seasons would be an under-statement. Johnson has only played offensive tackle for two seasons and with his height, long arms and athleticism his upside is outstanding.

21 P. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee, Junior: The Bengals hit big time on their selection of AJ Green and like the potential of Marvin jones, but the chance to grab Patterson, who reminds us a lot of Falcons’ receiver Roddy White, makes too much sense as he would be a great weapon opposite Green.

22 P. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia, Senior: After upgrading their offensive line with their first first round pick, the Rams get the most explosive offensive weapon in the Draft for Bradford to throw to.

23 P. Baltimore Ravens: Alex Ogletree, LB, Georgia, Junior: With Ray Lewis coming off a major injury and entering his 18th season in 2013, the Ravens jump at chance to grab Ogletree who is the most explosive inside linebacker in the Draft.

24 P. Minnesota Vikings: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama, Senior: Longtime stud defensive tackle Kevin Williams is 32, so the Vikings grab Williams who can be their third defensive tackle in 2013 and take over as starter when Williams is done.

25 P. Indianapolis Colts: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State, Senior: Ryan Grigson pulled off a great trade getting cornerback Vontae Davis and now he drafts Banks to shore up the other cornerback position.

26 P. Seattle Seahawks: Barrett Jones, C / OG, Alabama, Senior: Jones is not a top athlete, but he is a smart, aggressive and versatile lineman who could start at center, guard or even tackle for Seahawks in the future.

27 P. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame, Senior: Current tight end Jermichael Finley is not expected to return to team in 2013, so the Packers upgrade the position by drafting Eifert whose combination of size, athleticism and hands are tough to find.

28 P. San Francisco 49ers: Margus Hunt, DE, SMU, Senior: Since defensive end Justin Smith was injured, the 49ers defense has struggled greatly, so they need to find a young defensive lineman to groom as his replacement. Hunt is an incredible athlete with great length, explosiveness and strength who could turn into a star in a season or two.

29 P. Houston Texans: Eric Reid, SAF, LSU, Junior: The Texans have been expected to draft a receiver in the first round to play opposite Andre Johnson every year and never have, so I believe they will continue that trend and focus on a different position. Reid is an active safety with the toughness to be a force against the run and the range and coverage skills to help the Texans deep coverage.

30 P. New England Patriots: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M, Junior: The Patriots pass rush still struggles to get consistent pressure, so they take a gamble on Moore who has the talent to become a dominating outside linebacker in their system and bring positional versatility to their defense, which Belichick gives enormous weight to.

31 P. Atlanta Falcons: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU, Junior: John Abraham is not getting any younger, so the Falcons draft Montgomery to backup Abraham and Biermann in 2013 and take over for Abraham when he retires.

32 P. Denver Broncos: David Amerson, CB, N.C. State, Junior: Champ Bailey is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame Career, so Coach Fox adds Amerson who has the combination of size, strength, willingness to play physical and coverage skills to be a solid all-around cornerback.

No Geno in the first round. Not very realistic AT ALL, but....if you could get Geno in the second round--and it was guarenteed--who would you pick #1?

By all means, lets go out and draft an ILB #1 because "its not a wasted pick."

I didn't say that, now did I?

I'm just saying if all of the top 5 QB's are on the same level, and the top 5 ILB's are not, merely as an example, why wouldn't we go get the best player at a position we need and then take a very minimalistic hit and get our QB second?

Furthermore, you guys aren't even considering for a moment that the new HC and FO will draft a guy they like, not BQBA with the #1 pick.

What happens if the Chiefs braintrust falls in love with Bray over Smith/etc?

Do you guys want them taking Bray first, a round ahead of his projection? or would you guys rather they take him in the second and use that first on a guy who can start today?

We have a lot of metrics to digest until the draft, and you guys are automatically assuming that Geno is the #1 pick of the draft because we need a QB, and only taking into consideration that need.

You guys haven't even begun to hypothesize the idea that perhaps our new HC won't like Geno, perhaps he likes another guy. Perhaps that HC might see the value play here, and knock out two needs by taking his QB in the second, instead of the first.

I NEVER said we shouldn't get a QB dude, not ****ing once, and never did I say our QB situation was good or that we didn't need to pickup a QB. All I'm saying is we don't necessarily have to spend our first pick on a QB since there is no clear cut "guy" in the QB prospects, and as it sits right now, we can just about get the same talent from a QB in the second round, as we 'd get in the first.

And you can say the exact same thing for every other position on the football field in this draft.

e.g., Luke Joeckel is currently rated the #1 OT, but Barrett Jones, the 2011Outland Trophy winner at LT, could be had at the top of the second.

Dee Milliner is not markedly better than David Amerson.

Manti Te'o is not markedly better than Kevin Minter.

And we can do this all day long.

As you say, we can get similar talent in the second as we can in the first with just about every single position.

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You need an exercise in comprehension because you are failing dangerously at this one.

You should take your own words to heart. There is a reason that 137 other posters have been beating their respective heads against a wall in replying to you over and over and over. You really aren't as smart as you think you are.

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Also, we have no clue how Stanzi will play at the NFL level, our brain trust has decided we shouldn't evaluate him in an NFL game because we know better. If you are taken in the 5th round or later, you can't be a good QB, right? lols

So, your secondary reason for not taking a QB with the first pick is that we have Ricky Stanzi on the roster? A guy who obviously couldn't beat out Cassel or Quinn? Stunning argument.

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As for the LT, if there is a clear cut LT that separates himself from the rest, **** yeah you draft that guy, especially with the #1 pick. More important than a good QB, is his Left Tackle, do you want to waste the investment of your #1 QB without a tackle to protect him? Its all about the available talent. CAN you get a comparable talent in the 2nd round with an LT as the first round? As of right now, **** no, not even CLOSE. QB? Yes.

Really? Who's the QB that will be available in the second round that's better, that has more upside, that has a higher floor than Geno Smith?

And then, who's the OT who is so much better than everyone else in this draft that you couldn't find comparable talent at the top of the second round?

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Are we that desperate? I mean, I know we have Cassel and Quinn on the roster for now, but do we really have to waste a #1 pick on a QB if the talent is equal to that of a guy we can get in the 2nd round?

See, the thing is that the vast majority of quality posters here feel that Geno Smith is the talent in this draft. On the other hand, the guys who are supporting the "let's draft a LT, or a MLB, or yet another DT" are, for the majority, the true idiots around here that have proven themselves idiots over months and years of ignorant and inane postings.

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Justify that to me and I'll jump on the Geno or bust bandwagon, as of right now I see no justification, at least not until after the combine.

And that's the thing. After Geno just put in three years of starting at the QB position that equalled/surpassed Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin statistically, and that he's shown game in and game out that he's got the necessary tools to be an elite level prospect at the QB position.

You basically, are, yeah. Play it off with sarcasm, but Jovan Belcher's spot in our 3-4 defense isn't that ****ing important. Why the **** would we even CONSIDER drafting that spot at #1 overall when it can be had later in the draft?

And before you say "these QBs can be drafted later on," the answer is "No." They should not be drafted later. They're so much more ****ing important. The potential reward is higher, and the potential bust factor is negligible.

No, I'm really not. All I'm saying right now, is that Te'o is the guy in this draft, as of right now. He's the Bee's Knees as they'll say. So far the general consensus is that the QB position is a cluster**** in this draft, it isn't great, there is no separation, and of all drafts not to waste a top pick in, this is the one not to waste a top pick on a QB in. ****, Pretty sure Kiper has already even hinted at that, but I hate Kiper so lets not put stock in him.

Point is, it isn't about taking a risk and getting boom or bust, its about priorities. If we can take that boom/bust pick in the second and get a guaranteed starter in a position of need in the first, why not take my route? And kill two birds with one stone?

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Originally Posted by SNR

What are the kicker/punter rankings? If we could get a 99 punter with our 83 QB, and then pick up a 78 ILB, THEN we'd be talking!

The problem isn't that I don't understand what you are saying. The problem is that the difference between Geno/Wilson and the rest is big enough. Having Barkley over Wilson is crazy. Also, ILB being tied with CB is crazy. That is the major issue that creates the argument. That and not understanding that the QB position is SO important that even if you aren't gaining a massive difference between 1st and 2nd round QBs, its still more than enough to make QB the pick over Teo.

Right? Basically how I feel right now having watched Geno's final two games thinking.....this guy is supposed to be a cut above the rest? Only with our luck would we get this draft class with the #1 pick.

The problem with that is the rest of the world doesn't agree. There are Mocks that have 1 QB in the first, 4, 2, 3, none. 4 different QB's listed as the first QB pick. Hell, 6 months ago, Geno was THE guy. He was hands down the unanimous pick for the #1 QB taken, now that isn't the case and I've seen Mocks with him in the second round.

What that says to me is that there is no consensus. This time last year and all year before that, there was no doubt that Luck/RG3 were #1/#2 QB's taken. Not so much this year.

This draft reminds me more of the Browns, when they went and grabbed who was it? Joe Thomas, Left Tackle, then traded up to draft Brady Quinn 1 spot ahead of Kansas City before we drafted him, which I believe was still a Carl Peterson team and he went on record to say he would have drafted him at that spot too.

I'm just saying as of right now, I think Te'O is hands down the best at his position, and I think we can easily get one of the best players in this draft, as well as a young talented QB who is "on par" with everyone else in this draft class, at the number 2 spot.

Admittedly, I do have a lot of video to watch on Smith and Bray, so that could change. But what I have seen so far, I'm not sure there is enough separation to say without a doubt, that Geno is the #1 guy hands down. Although, that being said, from the 4 games I've watched this year with Geno, I'm not opposed to him being a Chief at all, I do like him as a QB, but I don't love him yet. And that could change with time and with more metrics.

That's not what I meant, what I mean is the mock drafturbator is so ****ing worthless he doesn't deserve his own thread much less an exploding head reaction when GENO will be a CHIEF with the 1st overrall pick.

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"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father ... And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

"If the people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson

You're telling me that you wouldn't take, say, Te'O at an overall score of 87, and then draft Wilson at an 81 overall? Instead you'd take Smith at 82 and Ogletree at 81? Seems like you get better Value out of Te'o/Wilson than Smith/Ogletree.

You're telling me that you wouldn't take, say, Te'O at an overall score of 87, and then draft Wilson at an 81 overall? Instead you'd take Smith at 82 and Ogletree at 81? Seems like you get better Value out of Te'o/Wilson than Smith/Ogletree.

Of course, that is under the assumption that no QB separates themselves and proves to be elite, because none of them have so far.

If we're playing madden, what are the speeds of the linebackers? That makes a big difference for me.

Point is, it isn't about taking a risk and getting boom or bust, its about priorities. If we can take that boom/bust pick in the second and get a guaranteed starter in a position of need in the first, why not take my route? And kill two birds with one stone?

We already have our MVP punter

Colquitt's on the last year of his contract. He'll need leverage. Call up Gene Smith and find out what his scouts know about punters.

And your route sucks. It delays the most important position unnecessarily. It takes away our agency and choice, which is the WHOLE ****ING POINT of giving the worst team in the NFL the #1 overall pick. Why settle for Mike Glennon or (worse) Ryan Nassib when we can pick from Geno Smith or Tyler Wilson (both of him will be gone likely by the top 10). Why would you delay taking the best possible QB all so you can get ****ing TEO?

And Te'o isn't the ****ing bee's knees of this draft. He doesn't have elite speed. He's not a physical freak like Pat Willis. He's probably pretty smart and pretty dedicated. He could be a good player, but so could Shane Skov, who can be had likely TWO ****ING ROUNDS later. Te'o isn't Patrick Willis like you think he is. He's not Ray Lewis. He's James Laurenaitis at best.

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Originally Posted by Reaper16

I would read an entire blog of SNR breaking down athletes' musical capabilities like draft scouting reports.

Taylor Lewan is going to be every bit worth the 1st overall pick in this draft after today.

Lewan has only given up 2 sacks the entire season and today he owned the best pass rusher in college in pass pro. Aside from the one mistake on a running play, he dominated Clowney. Clowney didn't get anywhere near Michigan's QB. No pressures and no sacks.

Not saying we should take this guy. Just saying that there will be a player or two who is worth the first pick and right now Lewan looks like one of them.

So before you say that Barrett Jones is just as good as Lewan or Joekel, step back and realize that you're a dumbass.

Taylor Lewan is going to be every bit worth the 1st overall pick in this draft after today.

Lewan has only given up 2 sacks the entire season and today he owned the best pass rusher in college in pass pro. Aside from the one mistake on a running play, he dominated Clowney. Clowney didn't get anywhere near Michigan's QB. No pressures and no sacks.

Not saying we should take this guy. Just saying that there will be a player or two who is worth the first pick and right now Lewan looks like one of them.

Perfect. Pioli can brainwash Clark into taking the Michigan OT, because that's what Daddy in law Parcells did.

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Originally Posted by Reaper16

I would read an entire blog of SNR breaking down athletes' musical capabilities like draft scouting reports.

And you can say the exact same thing for every other position on the football field in this draft.

e.g., Luke Joeckel is currently rated the #1 OT, but Barrett Jones, the 2011Outland Trophy winner at LT, could be had at the top of the second.

Dee Milliner is not markedly better than David Amerson.

Manti Te'o is not markedly better than Kevin Minter.

And we can do this all day long.

As you say, we can get similar talent in the second as we can in the first with just about every single position.

You still aren't getting the point I'm making, if all things are equal at the QB pool this year, you'd still have us pick a QB #1 overall knowing we could get that exact same QB in the second round and use the #1 pick on a player with more talent at a different position?

You should take your own words to heart. There is a reason that 137 other posters have been beating their respective heads against a wall in replying to you over and over and over. You really aren't as smart as you think you are.
You're right, I'm probably smarter than I give myself credit for.

So, your secondary reason for not taking a QB with the first pick is that we have Ricky Stanzi on the roster? A guy who obviously couldn't beat out Cassel or Quinn? Stunning argument.

No, that statement has nothing to do with me drafting or not drafting a QB with the #1 pick, it has everything to do with me pointing out that we have a QB we drafted on this team that we haven't tried out, and therefore cannot say for certain that we don't have an NFL caliber QB on this roster. Good job with the lack of reading comprehension there, one argumentative point after you just accosted me for it. High five buddy!

Really? Who's the QB that will be available in the second round that's better, that has more upside, that has a higher floor than Geno Smith?

And then, who's the OT who is so much better than everyone else in this draft that you couldn't find comparable talent at the top of the second round?
I'm sorry, are you an NFL scout? Have you seen film I have not? Have you done research I haven't? Because you appear to be Signed, Sealed, Delivered on Geno, and I am not. I'm not sold on any QB at this point, and apparently neither are the EXPERTS, of which you are not. Sorry for being on their side of the fence and not having nearly the closed mind that you have. I'd be willing to bet that Bray and Wilson's stock improves after their combines and pro days and challenge Geno for top pick, or at least one of them will. Bray might just have an impressive combine but still hang back a bit due to certain question marks. Either way the point is that you can't seem to grasp the concept I'm putting out there, no matter how many times I try to dumb it down and explain it to you. Do I need to draw a picture and upload it?

See, the thing is that the vast majority of quality posters here feel that Geno Smith is the talent in this draft. On the other hand, the guys who are supporting the "let's draft a LT, or a MLB, or yet another DT" are, for the majority, the true idiots around here that have proven themselves idiots over months and years of ignorant and inane postings.
I'm curious, how do they prove themselves idiots? How is it that every year when it comes to the draft in KC when we don't have a QB, that the "idiots" before the draft are the guys who say don't draft a QB because we are desperate, and then the guys who are the Smarty McSmartypants happen to be the guys who are like "GO GET YOU SOME OF THAT JAMARCUS RUSSEL BABY".

And that's the thing. After Geno just put in three years of starting at the QB position that equalled/surpassed Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin statistically, and that he's shown game in and game out that he's got the necessary tools to be an elite level prospect at the QB position.
So you're banking on statistics? Gotcha. Clearly College Stats make or break a QB at the NFL level. Tell me again, why is Ricky Stanzi not our starting QB then? He's the best QB on our roster according to College Statistics.

I decided to do something I dislike, and bold my responses inside the quote, because you made so many retorts.

I decided to do something I dislike, and bold my responses inside the quote, because you made so many retorts.

Personally, I've invested a shitload of time watching a lot of different QBs and developed a QB big board that is twelve deep. I watch a lot of games live and a lot of youtube snap-by-snaps since I don't have the luxury of coaches film. Sac also puts in a lot of time watching and doing research. I think you might be a little out of your depth with some of your remarks there.

You still aren't getting the point I'm making, if all things are equal at the QB pool this year, you'd still have us pick a QB #1 overall knowing we could get that exact same QB in the second round and use the #1 pick on a player with more talent at a different position?

Uhh... are you a ****ing idiot?

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Originally Posted by Saccopoo

And you can say the exact same thing for every other position on the football field in this draft.

e.g., Luke Joeckel is currently rated the #1 OT, but Barrett Jones, the 2011Outland Trophy winner at LT, could be had at the top of the second.

Dee Milliner is not markedly better than David Amerson.

Manti Te'o is not markedly better than Kevin Minter.

And we can do this all day long.

As you say, we can get similar talent in the second as we can in the first with just about every single position.

His response is right ****ing there.

If you want to play that game at QB, why not play it with the OTHER positions. Because in this particular draft, there are really no guys that separate themselves from the pack for ANY of the positions besides defensive line and pass rusher.

If all things are equal for the ILBs, why not take a guy in the 2nd and take a QB in the first?

If all things are equal for the OTs, why not take a guy in the 2nd and take a QB in the first?

For some goddamn reason with you it has to be the QB position that gets the shaft, and talent is settled for later on.

****ing why the **** would you do that you ****ing idiot?

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Originally Posted by Reaper16

I would read an entire blog of SNR breaking down athletes' musical capabilities like draft scouting reports.